This week on the podcast we’re talking about the noisy glory of mechanical keyboards, detecting a bad boss before you take a job, and saving the most money when building a computer. We’re also answering your questions about mobile app security, Android launchers, and building your own NAS.

How to Listen to This Week's Episode

News and Top Stories

Gmail for Android Adds New Inbox and Slide-Out Navigation: Gmail just got a new update with a brand new inbox featuring labels, contact images, and indicators for your promotional, update, and social notifications. Additionally, new slide-out navigation makes it easy to access whatever you need when you need it. The delete button has gone missing, but you can bring it back pretty easily.

How Can I Spot a Bad Boss Before I Take a Job? You just got a new job offer, and you’re excited to join the workforce again, but you don't want to end up with a crazy boss. Before taking this new position, there are a few things you can do to find out if you’re in for trouble.

How to Choose the Best Mechanical Keyboard (and Why You'd Want To): Mechanical keyboards, or keyboards with full, individual switches under every key, have exploded in popularity recently, although the technology inside is as old as the keyboard itself. There's really no substitute for that solid, clicking sensation under your fingers as you type, and the satisfying sound each key makes when you press it. However, choosing the best mechanical keyboard can be tricky, since there are dozens of models, different switch types, and more popping up every day. Here's how to tell them all apart and pick the right one for you.

How to Save Money When You Build Your Own PC: Computers are expensive, and every dollar counts if you're building one on a budget. If you pick the right parts, shop at the right stores, and use a few simple tricks, you can save quite a bit on that new PC.

Questions and Answers

How do I know apps aren’t stealing my login info when I login via Google, Facebook, or whatever? You can sometimes tell when an app uses OAuth, but if not you can just sign up with a Google (or whatever) account that you use for spam email (or one you don't care about). If the app is legit, you'll see it in your authorized apps settings in that account. If not, don't trust that app. We've never actually heard of a mobile app trying to steal credentials this way, however, and we don't think it'll happen. Although not impossible to pull off, Apple and Google know a lot about developers through their developer accounts. There are much better password phishing strategies that involve less work and fewer risks.

I want to get a custom launcher for my non-rooted Android phone, but I feel like I'll miss stuff from the OEM launcher. Any tips? Most launchers, such as NOVA, will handle all the features you want and you won't miss much. Fortunately they're free and you can try them out. If you don't like a launcher, just switch back to the OEM one you're used to. You don't have to make a commitment unless you want a pro version of one of them.

I am attempting to build a NAS for myself, but I'm not really sure where to start. I have seen plenty of guides on how to create a desktop computer but very few on NAS. Do you have any suggestions on a place to start? Yes! Our NAS Building Guide and our Computer Building Guide (which actually shows a NAS being built as a demonstration).

How Do I Submit a Question?

Please keep your questions as brief as possible. This means about 3-5 sentences for emails and 30-60 seconds for calls and videos. Your questions can be specific, but broader questions are generally better because they'll apply to more people. For example, "how can I breathe new life into my old PDA?" is much better than "what can I do with an old HP iPAQ 210?" Either way, we look forward to hearing from you!